A multidisciplinary approach to a unique Palaeolithic human ichnological record from Italy (Bàsura Cave)

Abstract

Based on the integration of laser scan, sedimentology, geochemistry, archeobotany, geometric morphometrics and photogrammetry, here we present evidence testifying a Palaeolithic group that explored a deep cave in northern Italy about 14 ky cal. BP. Ichnological data enable us to shed light on individual and group level behavior, social relationship and mode of exploration of the highly uneven environment. Five individuals, two adults, an adolescent and two children, entered the cave barefoot and with a set of wood chips to illuminate the way. Traces of crawling locomotion are documented for the first time in the global human ichnological record. The anatomic details recognizable in the crawling traces show that no garment was interposed between the limb and the trampled sediments. Our study demonstrate that very young children (the youngest less than three years old) were active members in the Upper Palaeolithic populations, even in seemingly dangerous activities and social ones.

Episodes of Magdalenian Hunter-Gatherers in the Upper Gallery of Tuc d’Audoubert (Ariège, France)

“…Cussac, Fontanet, Bàsura Cave and Pech-Merle of human footprints in caves have shown, this method is not appropriate for exploring the entire information potential of human tracks (cf. Ledoux 2019;Romano et al 2019;Duday and García 1983). A dynamic method of reading footprints in a morpho-classificatory way offers significantly more possibilities.…”

“…Over the past years, ichnology has acquired a new relevance in prehistoric archaeology of caves, as shown in a number of scientific studies (e.g. Ledoux 2019;Romano et al 2019;Ortega Martínez and Martín Merino 2019;Pastoors et al 2017;Pastoors et al 2015)…”

Where innovations flourish: an ethnographic and archaeological overview of hunter–gatherer learning contexts

“…Finger flutings and footprints may have been made by children exploring caves, including dangerous and difficult to access areas, either without adults (Bednarik, 1986; Roveland, 2000; Van Gelder, 2015b), or with older members of a group (e.g. Romano et al, 2019). The ability to explore tools and sites may have provided children with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the affordances of their material culture and environment.…”

“…Bodu et al, 1990). Finger flutings, prints or stencils of hands, fingers and other body parts found in caves may represent children playing with clay, and possibly making of figurative art (Bednarik, 1986, 2008; Cooney, 2018; Cooney Williams & Janik, 2018; Groenen, 1988; Hallam, 1971; Romano et al, 2019; Sharpe & Van Gelder, 2006; Van Gelder, 2015a). Stone rings found in northeast Greenland may represent elaborate playhouses made by Thule children (Hardenberg, 2010).…”

Reproduce to Understand: Experimental Approach Based on Footprints in Cussac Cave (Southwestern France)

“…13), Pech Merle (Pastoors et al 2017), Aldène (Pastoors et al 2015;see Galant et al Chap. 15), Cussac (Ledoux et al 2017;Ledoux 2019), Fontanet (Pastoors et al 2015;Ledoux 2019), Bàsura (Citton et al 2017;Romano et al 2019;see Avanzini et al Chap. 14) and Ojo Guareña (Ortega Martinez et al 2014;see Ortega et al Chap.…”